Already allowed by the leftist government to grow the weed in their homes and smoke it in clubs, Uruguayans in a few weeks will be able to buy it from the chemist along with their shampoo and aspirins.

"This is a great step forward in the evolution as citizens," said Marcos Ferreira, 41, one of the people queuing in a small line to sign on to the Cannabis Register at a post office in central Montevideo.

A woman shows the proof of being registered as a marijuana's buyer in MontevideoCredit:
AFP

"Uruguay is innovating to see if we get results," added Ferreira, who works in the tourist sector.

The move is the last step in implementing a 2013 law that fully legalized the production, sale and consumption of marijuana.

Buyers must sign up, submitting their fingerprints, to ensure they do not exceed the monthly maximum purchase of 40 grams (1.4 ounces).

The cannabis is grown at secret plantations near the capital by private companies regulated by the state.

A gram of pot will cost $1.30, the secretary general of the National Drugs Council, Diego Olivera, said last month.

"That's less than half the price on the black market," said the first person in line at the post office on Tuesday, shop worker Yamila, 26.

"Young people and kids will go anywhere to buy marijuana. It is very expensive and you don't know what you're taking," added Yamila, who declined to give her last name.

"Now I can go by myself to a pharmacy and order the product," she said, showing her registration slip to the news cameras.